Wisconsin Football: 3 keys to victory over Michigan in Week 4

1. Play a clean game

Although Michigan has their offensive struggles and we haven’t seen Wisconsin against high-caliber competition this is going to be a close game. Michigan is coming with a chip on its shoulder and both teams are looking for respect in this game. When games are expected to be close, the accumulation of little things can cost you a game.

These things might sound cliché, but they are critical.

The simplest turnover in a game is forcing a punt on fourth down. The Badgers have to avoid costly automatic first down penalties. They can’t get defensive holding or pass interference on third-and-long. Don’t do the Wolverines any favors by extending penalties.

On offense, they have to avoid drive-killing penalties. They aren’t build to convert on third-and-10 or more. The Badgers have to avoid a holding call that would negate a big play, or a false start on third-and-5.

They need to play as clean as they have so far this early season. They won’t score the way they did against South Florida and Central Michigan, but playing disciplined football will go a long way to defeating a team not so disciplined.